Table having manual manipulations for detachable support latterally off vertical and horizanial structual-framing members

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a multi-functional utility table used in a wide variety of ways. The utility table comprises of a flat horizontal tabletop cutting board made from USDA/FDA approved composite material that&#39;s attached to a post-engaging clamping bracket. Its preferred embodiment, a Utility Table that is mounted to an existing dock/pier consisting of man-made structures. The purpose of the Utility Table is to be used primarily on narrow finger dock/pier(s), or any other solid structures. It can be used to clean/fillet fish, attach rod holders, place tackle/tool boxes and drinks on. It also has the ability to be used in a standing or sitting position. This utility table is easily attached or removed. It also can be adjusted up to various desired heights when not in use so not to impede any pedestrian traffic without having to remove the utility table from witch it is attached to.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION (S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional applicationSer. No. 11/998,910 filed Dec. 2, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to accessories used during recreationalfishing, boating, boat maintenance, swimming, etc. in which providesintegral utility tables with a solid work surface and perimeter rail. Autility table that has manual manipulations forattachment/detachment/vertical-adjustment relative to being supportedlaterally off of vertical structural framing members and, mostpreferentially to, fish cleaning/filleting, bait cutting, and rod holdertables, having attachment/detachment/vertical-adjustment relative tobeing supported laterally off of the roof post of boat dock/pier(s).

2. Description of the Background

Nowadays, at least in the Midwest and Southeast regions of the country,there are numerous rivers, which were made from large inland reservoirsand fresh water lakes that was built by the Corps of Engineers, or localpublic utilities and the like. Among other things, these lakes andreservoirs provide an excellent opportunity for recreational fun forboating, fishing, or swimming. In addition, where there will be boats orfisherman, there will more than likely be docks and piers. However, onmost of these reservoirs and the likes, it is becoming increasingly seenthat the applicable controlling authority (e.g., the Corps of Engineers,State and/or local public utility, etc.) tightly regulating shorelinedevelopment of new dock/pier construction. Such permits expressly orimplicitly incorporate by reference an applicable constructionspecifications or guidelines.

A typical example of the foregoing as representation of the many othersis the Lake of the Ozarks, a large reservoir in central Missouri builtin the depression, by a public utility for hydroelectricity powergeneration. The public utility today goes by the name AmerenCorporation, of St. Louis.

Ameren has a published document on dock construction. It can be locatedonline under the title of “[Ameren] Dock Specification Guidelines,”www.ameren.com/eviroment/adc_ev_docksprcguidelines.asp. Copyright© 2006Ameren Services.

Indeed, the Ameren specification incorporates further specifications,including Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards as well asAmerican Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Manuals and Reports onEngineering Practice No. 50: —“Planning and Design Guidelines for SmallCraft Harbors”. Further more, Federal, State and Local governing bodiesthat issue building permits for the construction of docks and piers areclosely monitored by qualified inspectors representing their specificentities to ensure that that the finished construction complies with theforementioned governing bodies.

It would be best to provide a single multi-functional Utility Table tofill all the desired needs. This would increase both functionality andportability on the docks and/or piers which may also be some distanceaway from where a fisherman, boat mechanic, or for any otherrecreational water pleasure as in swimming, etc. that may be somedistance away from the waters edge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, there is a significant consumer demand for Utility Tablesthat is lightweight, and appropriate in size, but also that is easilytransportable to the finger piers and docks, etc. along with theirfishing gear, tackle box, toolbox, or refreshing drinks etc. However, onmany finger piers & docks, is not always an easy to find an ideallocation for a utility table that will not impede the flow of pedestriantraffic and one that will not cause defacing the pier or dock in anyway.

There are two upshots of all the above which are pertinent to thepresent invention. One is, not only are the structural steel framingmembers specified to be structural steel for the docks/piers, in thepractical effect, all of the roof post configurations are uniformlyappearing to be square structural steel.

The other is, the walking surface (deck) area of the dock/pier(s), whichcomprises the finger piers and the main walkway that interlinks thefinger piers to the gangways is minimized. Perhaps because thespecifications make dock/pier construction so costly, this in turn hasthe designers submitting designs for the finger piers and walkwayssmaller and uncomfortably narrow. Two persons carrying coolers find ithard to safely pass each other. Again, perhaps the finger dock(s) orpier walkway(s) are designed narrow to save cost of construction.

It is a problem these days that dock/pier users have a need for adurable lightweight utility tables, which is absent in the newer,modern-style steel dock/pier(s). The aging wooded dock/pier(s) that areno longer being built, that typically provided amply room for a fishcleaning station. It is ironic but the newer modern style steeldock/pier(s) are typically omitting such fish cleaning/filleting utilitytable stations. Nevertheless, fishing is a popular as it ever was. Withthe modernization of the newer modern-style, dock/pier(s) that isdepriving dock/pier users of cleaning/fillet utility tables that werethe norm for the older and disappearing wooden dock/pier(s).

What is needed is an improvement, which overcomes the shortcomings withthe newer narrower modern steel dock/pier(s).

It is the object of the invention is that the foregoing utility table belaterally supported over a finger pier/dock walkways.

It is the object of the invention to provide a utility table that can bemanually attached and detached from the vertical steel roof supportstructures, etc.

It is the object of the invention to provide a utility table that iseasy and light weight to use, to store when not in use, without havingit be a hazard, or an obstruction, that is in the path any ofpedestrians traffic on the dock/finger pier walkways.

It is the object of the invention to have a utility table with manualmanipulations that has effortless attachment/detachment abilities, withvertical adjustment, relative to being supported horizontally from manmade structural-framing members.

It is the object of the invention to have a utility table in which ismost preferentially used for fish cleaning/filleting, bait cleaning,attaching rod holder(s) to its railing, or to a place/store tackle/toolboxes, lanterns, drinks, or etc.

It is the object of the invention to have a utility table that'scompatible with the present narrower finger docks piers that are beingconstructed today.

It is also the object of the invention to provide a utility table thatis needed for a variety of uses including recreational fishing, boatingswimming, etc., and having the ability of having manual manipulationsfor attachment/detachment, vertical and horizontal-adjustments offvertical roof/lower support posts for boating/fishing piers/docks. sonot to obstruct the flow of pedestrian traffic.

It is the object of the invention to have a utility table with a railingalong the backside (horizontally to the table top) of the tabletop thatcould support any compatible rod holders that are in the fishingaccessories market today.

Its is another object of the invention to provide an improved fishingrod support railing to support the rod holders that is not subjected tomaterial failure/fatigue or deformation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

There are shown in the drawings, certain exemplar embodiments of theinvention as presently preferred. It should be understood that theinvention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed as examples, andis capable of variation within the scope of the drawings. Other objects,features, and advantages of the present invention will become moreapparent from the following detailed description of the preferredembodiments, and certain modifications thereof when taken together withthe accompanying drawings which:

FIG. 1 is a drawing of the utility table apparatus in accordance withthe invention, wherein it is shown attached to an existing verticalsteel roof post of a structural-steel framed dock/pier(s), and along afinger pier thereof in order to illustrate an example use environment.

FIG. 2 is a drawing of the utility table apparatus at a slightlydifferent angle in comparison to FIG. 1 that is also shown attached toan existing vertical steel roof post of a structural-steel frameddock/pier(s), along a finger pier thereof in order to illustrate anexample use environment.

FIG. 3 is a drawing of the utility table that is a “Plan View” in theaccordance with the invention, wherein it is attached the existingvertical steel roof support typically found on the framed dock(s) andfinger pier(s).

FIG. 4 is a drawing of the utility table that is an elevation view fromthe front of FIGS. 1, 2, 3,5 & 6.

FIG. 5 is a drawing that is partial sectional view of the utility tablelooking from the right side from FIGS. 1, 2, 3 & 4.

FIG. 6 is a drawing that is partial sectional view of the utility tablelooking from the left side from FIGS. 1, 2, 3 & 4.

FIG. 7 is a drawing that is another sectional view of the utility tablelooking from the rear/backside of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-7 (with FIGS. 1&2 shown respectively at a slightly differentangle) shows a utility table apparatus in accordance with the embodimentof the invention. It is shown attached to an existing steel roof post25, or from any other typical structural steel framed dock/fingerpier(s). It is an aspect of the invention, that the foregoing utilitytable, is to be optionally laterally supported, either over finger piersor walkways of the dock/pier(s), so that either a seated, or a standinguser on the finger pier(s) or walkway(s), can use the utility tableapparatus in a matter of fish cleaning/filleting, bait cutting,attaching rod holders to, placing tackle/tool boxes, drinks, or anyother conceivable multi-general purpose use(s).

FIGS. 1-7 the U-channel 8 is produced from steel U-channel stock. Itprovides a post-engaging clamping structure semi-encircled sleevelocated around three sides of existing finger dock/pier(s) roof supportstructure(s) 25. Located on the backside of the steel U-channel 8 aretwo internally threaded bosses 20. Such bosses are actually nuts 20 thatare welded over two drilled holes on the backside of the steel U-channel8. The two eyebolts 22 are threaded through each one of the nuts 20.

Tightening the eyebolts 22 firmly clamps the steel U-channel 8(post-engaging clamping structure) to the existing roof post 25 (orwhatever suitable upright frame member is selected). The steel U-channel8 (post-engaging clamping structure) is fixed firm, not only at oneelevation, but also in one rigid attitude, provided the roof post iscorresponding rock solid.

Loosening the eyebolts 22 relaxes the clamping grip of the steelU-channel 8 (post-engaging clamping structure) from the existing roofpost 25 (or whatever suitable upright frame member is selected). Theutility table can be easily removed from the existing roof post 25 asfor storage elsewhere, or a for re-engaging the square roof post 25relative to the original position at any 90° clockwise, 90°counterclockwise, or 180°.

The table can be slid axially up or down the roof post 25 by virtue ofthe steel U-channel 8 (a post-engaging clamping structuresemi-encircling sleeve) riding the roof post like a track design, havingthe capability, and flexibility to be installed on similar dock/fingerpier(s) structural support steel 25 at various desired elevations. Thetrack design allows easy adjustment vertically up or down. This allowsthe utility table apparatus to be used at various positions, whether theuser is seated or standing. It also allows the utility table apparatusto be easily adjusted/stored up high enough on dock/finger pier(s)structural steel 25 so not to impede the flow of pedestrian traffic.This flexibility means it is not necessary to completely remove theutility table apparatus from the more typically newer, smaller, and moreconfining dock/finger pier(s) construction used today, and for the yearsto come.

It's also contemplated that the steel U-channel 8 to have other shapesi.e. by rotating just the steel U-channel 8 on its axis 90 degrees sothat it still can facilitate the most of the remaining apparatusconsisting of 10 12 14 18 20 & 22, and have the ability to be installedin the horizontal position in regards to any other existing man-madeconstruction of dock/finger pier(s) support structure or handrails.

FIGS. 1, 2 & 3 show a rectangular utility tabletop 14. It is alsocontemplated that the utility tabletop 14 to have shapes other thanrectangular shapes. The utility tabletop 14 can optionally comprise of amonolithic structure polymeric material or a composite structure. Thecutting surface for the utility tabletop 14 is a durable compositematerial used for cutting boards at established food service businessesin which is a USDA/FDA approved cutting board. It can withstand repeatedcutting strokes from a sharp cutting knife without damaging the surface.The USDA/FDA approved tabletop 14 allows easy and sanitary cleaningmethods to be used that do not allow food to stain, or become imbeddedinto the material, nor allows odors to stick to the tabletop.

FIGS. 1, 2 & 3 shows a utility table in accordance with the embodimentof the present invention, having a steel perimeter railing 16 that goesalong the entire backside of the tabletop 14, out forward to the halfwaypoint along each side of the tabletop 14. The steel railing 16 is weldedto the steel U-channel 8 to keep the steel perimeter railing 16 rigid.

FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 5 & 6 shows the steel railing 16 as it extends towardsthe front on each side of the tabletop 14. There are two holes drilledto allow the steel railing 16 to be inserted 90° down through each holeinto the tabletop 14 for added stability.

FIGS. 4, 5 & 6 shows that the elevation of the steel railing 16 provideadequate space between the steel railing 16 and the tabletop 14 so toallow the user(s) to easily push forward any unwanted parts into thewater when cleaning or filleting fish, and bait cutting. The steelrailing 16 also provides a secure perimeter that can be used to attachrod holder(s). The steel railing 16 also provides a guard rail effectand keeps items like tackle/tool boxes, lanterns, drinks, etc. placedonto the tabletop 14 from being knocked into the water while in use.

FIGS. 1-6 shows a utility table in accordance with the embodiment of thepresent invention that not only comprises of a post-engaging clampingstructure, it also comprises a bracket structure. The bracket structurecomprises a steel gusset/stiffener plate 12 (a triangular shaped)oriented in a vertical plane with one edge vertical with steel U-channel8. This seam between the steel gusset/stiffener plate 12 and the steelU-channel 8 is welded rigid. The gusset/stiffener plate is arranged topresent an upwardly facing horizontal edge. Perched on thegusset/stiffener plate upwardly facing horizontal edge is a diminutivepad 10 (diminutive, that is, relative to the table's tabletop). The seambetween the pad 10 (steel base plate) is likewise welded rigid. Hence,the table's steel U-channel 8 (post-engaging clamping structure) andbracket support structure base plate 10 & gusset/stiffener plate 12 arejoined as a rigid weldment.

FIGS. 1, 2 & 3 show the utility table in accordance with the embodimentof the present invention that comprises of a utility table 14 with 4holes drilled through it that matches the hole pattern on the steel baseplate 10, and then installing four bolts, lock washers, and nuts 18.This securely fastens the utility tabletop 14 to the post-engagingclamping structure made up from 8 10 12 16 18 20 & 22.

FIG. 3 (view from the top looking down i.e. plan view) & FIG. 4 (frontelevation view of FIG. 3) show the embodiment of the present design ofthe utility tabletop cutting board apparatus. Both views, coupled withFIGS. 1 & 2, gives an excellent prospective of the utility tabletopcutting board apparatus, and most if not all of its components. TheUSDA/FDA approved utility tabletop 14 is attached to a steel base plate10 using four bolts, lock washers, and nuts 18. The base plate 10, thesteel gusset/stiffener plate 12 and the steel U-channel 8 are weldedtogether to form a bracket structure.

FIG. 4 shows the embodiment of the present design of the utility tableapparatus looking at it from the front (elevation view) in respect toFIG. 3 (plan view). The steel base plate 10 and the steelgusset/stiffener plate 12 are weld to each other in the horizontalplane. The steel gusset/stiffener plate 12 is also welded in thevertical position in relation to the steel U-channel 8. The utilitytabletop 14 is secured to the steel base plate 10 by inserting the 4bolts, lock washers, and nuts 18 through the holes drilled into thetabletop 14, (matching the hole pattern) and the steel base plate 10.The steel U-channel 8 is securely tighten to the existing structuralsteel member 25 by the use of the two tacked welded nuts 20 and the twoeyebolts 22 as shown in FIGS. 1,2,3,4,5 & 6.

FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6 shows the embodiment of the present design ofthe utility table apparatus that shows the steel perimeter railing 16 inwhich illustrates the height/orientation of the railing 16 in relationto the tabletop 14. The height of the steel perimeter railing 16provides a way to discard any unwanted parts to the front of thetabletop 14 into the water when performing bait cutting, fishcleaning/filleting etc. The steel perimeter railing 16 also provides asturdy enough support to attach to a variety of rod holders available intoday market. The steel perimeter railing 16 also provides a guard-raileffect, to minimize tackle/tool boxes, drinks, etc. that are placed onthe utility tabletop from becoming accidentally knocked into the waterwhile the utility table apparatus is in use.

FIG. 5 also shows an embodiment of the present design of the utilitytable apparatus looking at a partial elevation view from the right sidein relation to FIG. 4. In this partial view, it is shown with both ofthe tack-welded nuts 20 in place, the two eyebolts 22 threaded inthrough the tack welded nuts 20, through the steel U-channel 8 until theeyebolts 22 have been securely fastened to any existing structural dockand finger pier support steel 25. Also shown is the utility tabletop 14that is mounted on the steel base plate 10 by means of the forementionedbolts, lock washers, and nuts 18. The steel gusset/stiffener plate 12that is welded to the steel base plate 10 and the steel U-channel 8.This view also shows the steel railing 16 where it turns down 90 degreesinto pre-drilled hole in the tabletop, and where it comes in contactwith the steel U-channel 8 at which point where it is welded to thesteel U-channel 8. This provides excellent stabilization to the steelrailing 16 so it can also be used for attaching rod holders, minimizingtackle/tool boxes, drinks, or etc. from being accidentally knocked intothe water.

FIG. 6 also shows an embodiment of the present design of the utilitytable apparatus looking at a partial elevation view from the left sidein relation to FIG. 4. In this partial view, it is shown with both ofthe tack-welded nuts 20 in place, the two eyebolts 22 threaded inthrough the tack welded nuts 20, through the steel U-channel 8 until theeyebolts 22 have been securely fastened to any existing structural dockand finger pier support steel 25. Also shown is the utility tabletop 14that is mounted on the steel base plate 10 by means of the forementionedbolts, lock washers, and nuts 18. The steel gusset/stiffener plate 12that is welded to the steel base plate 10 and the steel U-channel 8.This view also shows the steel railing 16 where it turns down 90 degreesinto pre-drilled hole in the tabletop, and where it comes in contactwith the steel U-channel 8 at which point where it is welded to thesteel U-channel 8. This provides excellent stabilization to the steelrailing 16 so it can also be used for attaching rod holders, minimizingtackle/tool boxes, drinks, or etc. from being accidentally knocked intothe water.

FIG. 7 also shows the embodiment of the present design of the utilitytable apparatus that is an elevation view from the backside of FIGS. 1,2, 3, 4, 5 & 6. In this view, the steel U-channel 8 is securely fastenedto any existing structural dock and finger pier support steel 25 bymeans of two eyebolts 22. The two eyebolts 22 are threaded through bothof the tack-welded nuts 20, on the steel U-channel 8 until the eyebolts22 have securely fastened it to any existing structural dock and fingerpier support steel 25.

The invention having been disclosed in connection with the foregoingvariations and examples, additional variations will now be apparent topersons skilled art. The invention is not intended to be limited to thevariations specifically mentioned, and accordingly reference should bemade to the appended claims rather than the foregoing discussion ofpreferred examples, to assess the scope of the invention in whichexclusive rights are claimed.

1. A multi-functional utility table apparatus, with a steel perimeterrailing, having manual manipulations for attachment, detachment, and,vertical or horizontal-adjustments relative to being supported offvertical or horizontal structural framing dock/pier and/or finger pierwalkways.
 2. The multi-functional utility table according to claim 1comprises of a flat tabletop that is made from USDA and FDA commerciallyapproved white composite cutting board material, and is adjoined orconnected to a bracket assembly that can be used on any suitabledock/pier(s), deck handrail/baluster, tree trunk, or any existingstructural member.
 3. The multi-functional utility table, according toclaim 2, wherein a U-channel is used to mount the tabletop base plate bymeans of welding horizontally on both sides (top & bottom) of the baseplate seam to the U-channel.
 4. The multi-functional utility tableaccording to claim 3, wherein a gusset/stiffener plate is weldedhorizontally on both of the gusset/stiffener plate seams to the baseplate.
 5. The multi-functional utility table according to claim 4,wherein a gusset/stiffener plate is welded vertically on both sidesgusset/stiffener plate seams to the U-channel.
 6. The multi-functionalutility table according to claim 3, wherein the said utility tabletopfurther comprises of a steel mounting/base plate consisting of fourpre-drilled holes in both the base plate and the tabletop. Bolts, lockwashers, and nuts are used to firmly secure the tabletop to themounting/base plate.
 7. The multi-functional utility table, wherein theU-channel has two holes drilled on the backside it, wherein two nuts(threaded bosses) are tack weld to allow for the installation of twothreaded eyebolts.
 8. The multi-functional utility table, in accordancewith claim 7, wherein two eyebolts are threaded into where theaforementioned tack welded nuts located on the backside of theU-channel. This allows the utility table to be firmly and securelyattached to existing dock(s) finger pier(s) walkways at variouselevations.
 9. The multi-functional utility table, in accordance withclaim 8, the U-channel can be installed on existing vertical structuralsupports that can be found at most inland lakes and rivers by tighteningboth eyebolts clockwise until the complete utility table is securelyfastened to the existing dock/pier support structure.
 10. Themulti-functional utility table in accordance claim 8, where theaforementioned eyebolts can also be used to secure a live well fishbasket in order to keep fish fresh before filleting, or store/clip atowel(s) too.
 11. The multi-functional utility table, having a roundsteel railing that is formed as one piece. It goes along the entire backside of the tabletop, and 90 degrees towards the front of each side, tothe halfway where it then turns 90 degrees down into the tabletopcomposite. It is also welded to the U-channel bracket support to providea very stable and rigid railing.
 12. The multi-functional utility table,in accordance with claim 11 has a round steel railing that is formed asone piece that could also be used to attach rod holders accessories. 13.The multi-functional utility table, in accordance with claim 11 having around steel railing that is formed solid & rigid providing a guard raileffect that could also be used to prevent tackle/tool boxes, drinks,etc. from being accidentally being knocked into the water.
 14. Themulti-functional utility table, in accordance with claim 1, theaforementioned can be installed horizontally to the U-channel byrotating the tabletop mounting/base plate and gusset/stiffener plate 90°in relation to the U-channel. Using the same weld pattern, along withtack welding for both nuts to the opposite side/end of the U-channel,and installing the eyebolts as same in the aforementioned configuration,this will achieve the same utility table with the U-channel in thehorizontal position. This orientation is as such that it can be attachedto a majority of existing horizontal framing members within itsaforementioned maximum attachment capabilities.
 15. The multi-functionalutility table, in accordance with claim 1, the U-channel orientation assuch, can be attached to a majority of horizontal framing members. 16.The multi-functional utility table, in accordance with claim(s) tosubstitute the U-channel configuration to a steel pipe configuration, asthe structural member that the aforementioned tabletop mounting/baseplate, gusset/stiffener plate, tacked welded eyebolt nuts in either thevertical or horizontal configuration, using the pipe as the structuralbracket attachment in place of the aforementioned U-channel can bewelded as previously outlined, and installed either in its horizontal orvertical position by attaching to an existing structural member fordock/pier/pylon(s) that is existing in the either orientation